For many buyers relocating to South Eastern North Carolina from the Northeast or Midwest, one utility detail often comes as a surprise: the scarcity of natural gas. If you are accustomed to piping hot radiators and gas ranges as a standard feature, the heavy reliance on heat pumps and electric appliances in New Hanover, Pender, Onslow, and Brunswick counties can be a jarring adjustment.

Understanding the difference between gas available and natural gas lines is critical for buyers and investors in our region. Here is the insider reality of powering a home on the coast.

The Infrastructure Reality: Pipes vs. Tanks

In many parts of the country, natural gas lines are ubiquitous. However, due to the high water table and historical infrastructure development in coastal zones like Wrightsville Beach or Topsail, electricity is the dominant power source.

When you see a listing in Hampstead or Oak Island that boasts a gas fireplace or gas range, do not assume it connects to a street line. In the majority of cases, these are fueled by liquid propane (LP) stored in a leased tank buried in the yard.

Where to Find Natural Gas

While propane is common, natural gas is not impossible to find. It is largely determined by the age and location of the community:

Historic Downtowns: Older properties in downtown Wilmington often have access to legacy natural gas lines.

New Construction & Master-Planned Communities: Developers in booming areas of Brunswick County (like Leland) or northern New Hanover County often pay the heavy infrastructure costs to bring natural gas into new subdivisions. This is a major selling point for new builds.

Infill Lots: If you are buying an empty lot in an established neighborhood in Onslow County, verify utility access immediately. Just because a neighbor has gas doesn't mean the main line extends to your specific parcel without a significant tap fee.

The "Chef’s Kitchen" Compromise

For sellers and investors, understanding this distinction is vital for marketing. A gas range is a high-demand feature. If a home is fully electric, savvy sellers often install a buried propane tank specifically to power a cooktop or a tankless water heater. This hybrid approach—electric HVAC with propane cooking—is the standard for luxury living in neighborhoods where natural gas lines simply don't exist.

Your Next Step

Navigating utility easements, propane tank leases, and infrastructure maps can be complicated, but it is a necessary part of finding the perfect property in the Coastal Carolinas. You need a partner who looks beyond the aesthetics and understands the mechanics of the home.

Aspyre Realty Group prides itself on being more than just door openers. We are experts in listening to your lifestyle needs—whether that is a chef's kitchen with a gas flame or an energy-efficient investment property—and translating those wants into homes that actually work for you. Let us help you identify the neighborhoods that align with your requirements.